I haven't actually used this product yet (but I am going to try out the trial version).

I received a special off from VCOM today to purchase at half price (~$50) see here

From what I can see from web reviews and its own website it looks like a really comrephensive toolset for PDF files. It isn't just a 'printer driver' to generate PDF files but rather a workflow soltuion to PDF creation and modification and includes features such as PDF form design.

# Include files as attachments. Include any external file in an existing PDF document as an attachment. For example, attach audio files to PDF documents, or use a microphone to record audio comments directly.

I was seriously considering this deal, but after browsing their support forums I am a lot less hyped. Apparently they are using some crippling activation system (read for instance here, here and here) .

Also, I could find no mention what so ever about what exactly the license covers. Am I buying only this version? Will I get updates/upgrades? For a year? Forever?

The activation system is similar to other activation systems (MS & Adobe etc). Basically You activate it online within 30 days byt clicking on a box. The only info gathered is the serial number they have supplied and your name. You can optionally give your email address but you don't have to.

The product can be installed on two systems simultaneously (the license says eg. desktop and laptop) intended primarily for the same person's use.

They do have a deactivate system - so presumably it is fairly easy to transfer the product from one computer to another without having to contact them.

Having read the threads you pointed to the issues seem to have been a bug which is now resolved in version 4.9. As for the updates I am not sure what the policy is but there is a product update button under help, and the version on offer above is version 4.8. It updated fine to version 4.9!

Just got this reply ... lets hope the next major release is going to be within 60 days!

Nitro PDF Upgrade Policy

Nitro PDF product releases fall into two categories, referred to as major and minor releases. A major release is normally identified by a change in the first digit of its release version number, i.e. 4.9 -> 5.0. A minor release generally signifies a bug fix or minor feature enhancement. This can be identified by an increment in one of the successive release numbers, i.e. 4.7 -> 4.8, 4.8 -> 4.9.

Minor releases are issued free to customers who own the same major version (1.X, 2.X, 3.X). Major releases are issued free to customers who purchased their license within the prior 60 days.

The upgrade price for a major release will be approximately 40% of the product's current retail price.

I hope this helps. If you have any further questions then don't hesitate to let me know.

By the way I sent query by email and got a response within 3 hours - not bad support ...

I used the web based sales support form on their homepage on October 7th (same day as you) asking the same question .. all I have gotten so far is an automated reply giving me a case number and saying they will get back to me as soon as possible .

Perhaps it's some mixup, or they give priority to paying customers (which would only be fair) .